Conclusions: There is a difference in COX-2 expression with respect to intensity and prognostic significance between adenocarcinomas of the gastric cardia and distaloesophagus.
2
The investigation should therefore be added to the standard staging procedures in patients with carcinoma of the gastric cardia that is involving the distaloesophagus.
3
Smooth muscle cells (SMC) make up the muscular portion of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the distaloesophagus to the internal anal sphincter.